Israel Police to Allow Baba Sali Hilula to Go On

Following a field tour this morning in Netivot, led by the police's Southern District Commander, Peretz Amar, the police lifted the ban on holding the death anniversary of Baba Sali, which will take place next week at his burial place in the southern city.

The police insisted, however, that the grave itself will be fenced off.

The tour was held together with Mayor Yehiel Zohar, with representatives of the Baba Sali Association and with representatives of the Fire Authority and Magen David Adom. At the end of the tour it was decided that the event would take place as planned, subject to meeting the requirements and safety conditions.

Due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Israel, as well as security concerns, Israel Police originally made the call to cancel the religious event.

In the original prohibition, police estimated the mass gathering at the burial site of the Sephardic rabbi would be attended by over 100,000 Israelis.

The site, which can only hold up to 300 people, is a significant risk for the security of Israelis attending the event, according to the police.

Due to the Mount Meron tragedy on Lag Ba'omer, where 45 people were killed after a stampede broke out as massive crowds gathered at the religious bonfire-lighting ceremony there, police are looking to prevent any similar incidents from occurring.